Skip to main content

Bad Blood - John Carreyrou-Review

Bad Blood - John Carreyrou-Review


The Wall Street Journal, journalist John Carreyrou has chronicled in this book the rise and fall of Theranos, a Unicorn which never actually was.


Founded by Elizabeth Holmes, who was later joined by Sunny Balwani, the company had a golden run with a promise of easy, portable, and convenient blood testing mechanism. But as later, the investigative journalist would find out the technology didn't really work. 


The reporting is exhaustive and thorough. Carreyrou hasn't relied on one or two sources but offered several corroborations to the points raised in the book. On a larger scale, such books are important for its not always about Theranos.


In India, particularly, start-up founders and entrepreneurs often fall to this lure of fundraising without perfecting their product.  So many companies raise so much capital without anyone knowing how the cash flow will happen.


Equally problematic is the treatment of staff by the Board of a company. Theranos had a very high turnover rate, and still, the Board chose to be silent about it. Because Boardrooms usually don't care about the staff attrition. This is a dangerous trend around the World. In the case of Theranos, had the Board stopped to wonder why the company is becoming a revolving door, perhaps they would have realized the problems plaguing the company. But they were enamored by the CEO and hung on to every word she said.


The book also, through the story of Theranos, opens up the larger question of corporate whistleblowers. At the risk of their careers, can employees in private enterprises really speak up? Especially with the might of an organization and insecure colleagues out with knives at your throat?


This is where the business eco-systems suffer the most. There is so much focus on Govt. corruption that no one educates themselves on corporate fraud. Employees in such companies just move on to better-paying jobs. They are shutting their mouths up for final settlements, smoother transitions to other jobs, and a host of different reasons. 


A good book to read for anyone working in a private enterprise or wants to know how companies these days are being run. Especially the start-ups.


Comments

Popular posts from this blog

Cutting people off isn’t strength—It is a trauma response

Your ability to cut people off and self-isolate is not a skill you should be proud of—It is a trauma response Cutting people off and self-isolating may feel like a protective shield, but it is often rooted in unresolved or unhealed trauma and an inability to depend on others. While these behaviors seem like self-preservation, they end up reinforcing isolation and blocking meaningful connections. Confronting these patterns, seeking therapy, and nurturing supportive relationships can help break this unhealthy cycle. Plus, a simple act like planting a jasmine plant can symbolise the start of your journey towards emotional healing. Why do we cut people off and isolate? If you’re someone who prides themselves on “cutting people off” or keeping a tight circle, you might believe it’s a skill—a way to protect yourself from betrayal, hurt, or unnecessary drama. I get it. I’ve been there, too. But here’s the thing: this ability to isolate yourself is not as empowering as it may seem. In fact, i...

Ramayana in Indonesia: A Timeless epic across borders

The Ramayana, an epic saga originating from India, has transcended borders, weaving its influence into the cultural, spiritual, and artistic fabric of Indonesia. Here, Rama becomes a secular icon revered by Hindus and Muslims alike, showing how mythology unites diverse communities. This article explores how the Ramayana journeyed through time, embracing new interpretations while retaining its core values of righteousness, devotion, and the triumph of good over evil. Introduction: Why is Ramayana everywhere, even in Indonesia? When I first heard of the Ramayana thriving in Indonesia, I was captivated. How could an Indian epic be so embedded in a predominantly Muslim country? The answer lies in history, adaptability, and shared human values. The Ramayana's journey from Indian shores to the Indonesian archipelago is a fascinating tale of cultural exchange, adaptation, and enduring relevance. How Did the Ramayana Travel to Indonesia? The Ramayana arrived in Indonesia during the early c...

The perfect lover tag: How to attract emotionally mature love

Unlock the secret to “The Perfect Lover Tag” with emotionally mature love and energetic attraction. Discover how to grow into your best self, elevate your vibrational frequency, and magnetically draw in your soul partner. Through heart-centred techniques, personal stories, and practical tools, you’re invited to conscious dating—then join ‘Love With Depth’ and book your consultation for love aligned with your true energy. First published - 12.00 am,June 04,2008, Wednesday Second revised edition-Published on 07/06/2008 05:43 What makes “The perfect lover tag” truly perfect? Have you ever scrolled through dating apps and thought, “This could be the one,” only to realise something’s missing? I sure have. It wasn’t their profile photo or witty bio—it was the missing spark of emotional maturity and energetic alignment. That moment—when I understood that maturity and energy matter more than looks or shared hobbies—was a game-changer. It shifted my whole approach to dating. Think of “The ...